Lee Roy Jordan Dies at 84: Cowboys Ring of Honor Member and Alabama Legend

Dallas Cowboys legend Lee Roy Jordan, a cornerstone of the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship team and one of the greatest linebackers in football history, has died at the age of 84, the team announced Saturday.

Jordan anchored the Cowboys’ famed “Doomsday Defense” for 14 seasons, leading the franchise to its first Super Bowl victory in 1971 — a 24-3 win over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI. In addition, a five-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro, Jordan became the first player inducted into the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor after Jerry Jones purchased the team in 1989.

“An inspirational leader of the Cowboys’ first championship teams, Jordan was at the core of the Dallas Cowboys ‘Doomsday Defense,’ anchoring the middle linebacker spot for 14 years,” the team said in a statement. “With fearless instincts, leadership, and a relentless work ethic, Jordan was the embodiment of the Cowboys spirit.”

A Cowboy for Life

Drafted sixth overall by Dallas in 1963 after a standout college career, Jordan quickly emerged as the leader of Tom Landry’s defense. Over his 14 seasons, he collected 32 interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, and 1,236 tackles — a mark that still ranks second in franchise history behind safety Darren Woodson.

Jordan’s performance in the playoffs cemented his legacy. During the Cowboys’ march to their first championship, he intercepted two passes in the postseason and helped erase the sting of previous heartbreaks, including the 1967 “Ice Bowl” loss to Green Bay and the narrow defeat to the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V.

He retired after the 1976 season, just before Dallas secured its second Super Bowl title, but his impact remained.

Crimson Tide legend

Before his NFL career, Jordan starred at the University of Alabama under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. He was the defensive leader of the Tide’s 1961 national championship team and became a unanimous All-American in 1962. Alabama remembered him as a “legend” in a tribute Saturday, saying he would “forever be part of Alabama Football history.” He was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.

A Lasting Legacy

Beyond the field, Jordan remained committed to his community after retirement, embodying the same dedication and integrity that defined his playing career.

“Off the field, his commitment to his community was the centerpiece of his life after retiring in 1976,” the Cowboys’ statement said. “His legacy lives on as a model of dedication, integrity and toughness. Lee Roy Jordan’s impact on the game, and those who knew him, will live on forever.”

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